Why Teach? Chapter One

1 | 2 © 2009 Wadsworth, Cengage Learning Reflection The reflective practitioner thinks more thoroughly and more systematically about his or her experience. Questions to stimulate your thinking:

1 | 3 © 2009 Wadsworth, Cengage Learning Motives for Teaching Examine your motives for teaching: make a well- thought-out decision about what to do with your life. Compare your motives to others’: other possible answers to the question “Why teach?”

1 | 4 © 2009 Wadsworth, Cengage Learning Reasons for Originally Becoming a Teacher

1 | 5 © 2009 Wadsworth, Cengage Learning Profession That Provides the Most Benefit to Society

1 | 6 © 2009 Wadsworth, Cengage Learning Extrinsic Rewards of Teaching Salaries - improving Status - difficult to discern Power - unique power over students Work Schedule - “June, July and August”

1 | 7 © 2009 Wadsworth, Cengage Learning Intrinsic Rewards of Teaching Students – one of the strongest rewards perceived by teachers Performing a Significant Social Service – important work for the common good Fellow Teachers – stimulation and support The Work of Teaching – actual process highly gratifying

1 | 8 © 2009 Wadsworth, Cengage Learning VIDEO CASE: Teaching as a Profession: Collaboration with Colleagues

1 | 9 © 2009 Wadsworth, Cengage Learning Deciding to Be a Teacher: Sources of Useful Experience Real encounters with children or adolescents Vicarious experiences – film and television, fiction, memoirs about teachers Guidance - advice from those who know you Reflection - the most important source